If you’re a new graduate or young professional considering your first role, it’s important to understand which entry-level marketing jobs can offer the best starting salaries and long-term income potential. Direct marketing roles can be rewarding both financially and professionally.
In this post, we’ll break down the highest paid entry-level positions in explore their salary structures, and explain how these roles evolve over time. We’ll also help you figure out which jobs grow with you and which ones might offer quick cash but limited career paths.
What Is Direct and Traditional Marketing?
Before diving into the list, it’s important to clarify what we mean by direct and traditional marketing. These are strategies where companies interact directly with potential customers, without the use of digital channels. Think of:
- Door-to-door sales
- Telemarketing
- Event and trade show promotions
- Street team campaigns
- In-store product demonstrations
- Print advertising with call-to-actions
These jobs involve personal selling, face-to-face communication, and quick decision-making skills. For those who enjoy human interaction and don’t want to spend all day behind a screen, these roles can offer incredible growth opportunities and strong pay right from the start.
1. Field Marketing Representative
Overview:
Field marketing reps are the backbone of traditional marketing efforts. They work on location, representing a brand or product in a specific area, whether that’s retail stores, campuses, events, or busy public locations.
What You’ll Do:
- Distribute flyers or samples
- Engage potential customers in conversation
- Conduct product demos
- Report on local market feedback
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $40,000 to $55,000
- Commission: Yes, often based on performance or sales
- Perks: Bonuses, travel reimbursements, company merchandise
This is one of the best entry-level marketing jobs for those who enjoy independence and working on the move. You often set your own schedule and have the opportunity to earn more through bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Career Growth:
Field marketing can lead to regional marketing manager roles or campaign strategist positions within 2 to 3 years.
2. Sales and Marketing Associate
Overview:
This hybrid role blends direct sales with traditional brand promotion. Associates often work at events, in retail environments, or visit businesses to pitch products or services.
What You’ll Do:
- Generate leads through in-person outreach
- Close small to mid-sized deals
- Explain services or product offerings
- Represent the company at local events
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $45,000 to $60,000
- Commission: Yes, often uncapped
- Benefits: Health insurance, mileage reimbursement, training programs
For those looking for a mix of steady pay and aggressive commission opportunities, this role stands out. It also builds essential sales skills that are highly transferable across industries.
Career Growth:
High performers can quickly move into business development or account executive roles.
3. Promotional Marketing Specialist
Overview:
Promotional specialists are often hired to support product launches, seasonal campaigns, or brand awareness initiatives. They typically work in retail or event environments and interact directly with consumers.
What You’ll Do:
- Demonstrate new products or services
- Hand out samples or promotional materials
- Answer questions about product features
- Collect consumer feedback or surveys
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $35,000 to $50,000
- Bonuses: Often offered per campaign
- Commission: Sometimes, depending on the structure
This is a great starting point for those interested in marketing but unsure of their long-term career path. It offers a chance to explore different industries, from tech to fashion to food and beverage.
Career Growth:
Specialists may move into campaign coordinator roles, event management, or even product development based on field insights.
4. Territory Sales Representative
Overview:
While technically a sales position, this job often falls under the marketing umbrella, especially in companies that use their territory reps to test messaging, report market data, and adjust promotions based on regional feedback.
What You’ll Do:
- Travel to designated areas to promote products
- Educate customers and retailers about offerings
- Close sales with local vendors or clients
- Collect and relay market insights
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $50,000 to $70,000
- Commission: High earning potential through sales
- Incentives: Performance bonuses, company car, paid travel
This is one of the highest-paying entry-level marketing jobs available for extroverts with a competitive streak.
Career Growth:
Territory reps often become senior sales consultants, regional marketing directors, or move into corporate strategy roles.
5. Brand Ambassador Lead
Overview:
While most brand ambassador roles are part-time or hourly, the lead position is salaried and responsible for overseeing a team of ambassadors and coordinating field campaigns.
What You’ll Do:
- Supervise event setups and breakdowns
- Train and motivate ambassador teams
- Ensure messaging consistency
- Report campaign results to marketing teams
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $45,000 to $55,000
- Bonuses: Based on campaign success and team performance
This job is perfect for organized individuals with leadership potential. It combines hands-on fieldwork with managerial responsibilities.
Career Growth:
Often leads to field marketing management, campaign coordination, or agency work.
6. Direct Response Marketing Assistant
Overview:
This role supports campaigns that aim to generate an immediate customer response. It often includes coordinating mail campaigns, phone outreach, and sometimes in-person follow-ups.
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare and send direct mail or marketing materials
- Track and report on response rates
- Manage databases of leads and responses
- Assist with planning and analysis
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $40,000 to $52,000
- Bonuses: Possible based on campaign performance
This role offers more structure and a bit less fieldwork but still falls under traditional marketing. It’s ideal for analytical minds who enjoy results-driven work.
Career Growth:
Assistants can become campaign analysts, marketing coordinators, or direct response strategists.
7. Entry-level Media Sales Representative
Overview:
These reps sell advertising space in print, radio, and other traditional media platforms. It’s a role that mixes sales with marketing strategy, especially when advising clients on campaign development.
What You’ll Do:
- Pitch ad placements to businesses
- Negotiate ad package pricing
- Coordinate with designers and production teams
- Track and report campaign results
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $45,000 to $60,000
- Commission: Often uncapped and very lucrative
- Incentives: Performance bonuses, client dinners, event access
This job is best for those who are persuasive, strategic, and excited by the opportunity to earn based on performance.
Career Growth:
8. Event Marketing Coordinator
Overview:
This is a more structured position for those who enjoy planning and organizing rather than selling. Coordinators help plan and execute events that drive product awareness.
What You’ll Do:
- Coordinate logistics for promotional events
- Work with vendors and venues
- Manage event staffing and setup
- Track attendance and engagement
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $42,000 to $55,000
- Bonuses: Project-based or tied to event success
Although less commission-heavy than other roles, this job offers consistency and is a stepping stone to senior marketing positions.
Career Growth:
Great path to event manager, marketing manager, or brand experience director roles.
What to Consider Beyond Salary
While money is an important factor, it’s not the only one. When evaluating marketing jobs for new graduates, consider the following:
- Commission vs. Salary: Jobs with high commissions might start lower in base pay but can lead to bigger earnings with time.
- Growth Potential: Some roles offer quick promotions while others may stagnate after a few years.
- Training and Support: A job that provides solid onboarding and mentorship can make a huge difference in your development.
- Work Style: Some people thrive in high-energy, public-facing roles while others prefer structure and behind-the-scenes work.
Understanding the Numbers
It’s important to recognize that the average salary in marketing jobs varies based on location, industry, and company size. While the figures listed here are national averages, you might earn more or less depending on where you live and who you work for.
That said, direct marketing roles often include variable pay. This means performance bonuses, commission, or per-event payouts could significantly increase your take-home income.
If you’re highly motivated and goal-oriented, these roles can become some of the most profitable entry-level marketing jobs available.
Salary Is Just One Aspect of Choosing a Job
Not all marketing roles are created equal, especially at the entry level. If you’re focused on earning well from the start, traditional and direct marketing positions are worth serious consideration. Many offer flexible schedules, commissions, and room to grow quickly.
From event coordinators to territory sales reps, each role has its own perks and pitfalls. Some start strong and taper off, while others offer a modest beginning with huge growth potential.
Take the time to understand the compensation model, growth path, and daily responsibilities before making your decision. With the right choice, you can build a high-earning, high-impact career from day one.
Dauntless, Inc. brings energy and passion to every project, driving growth for businesses that dare to stand out. We deliver tailored sales and marketing strategies that help businesses build stronger connections with their customers and drive real results. Learn more about our direct sales and marketing services when you book a consultation.
